In Brief: Norwest Senior Debt Receives AA Rating

Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. has assigned a AA rating to Norwest Financial's $150 million 6.375% senior note offering.

The notes, which mature Nov. 15, 2003, were priced at 99.886, to yield 6.396%. The lead underwriter on the issue was Merrill Lynch.

Duff & Phelps' long-term senior rating for the finance unit of Norwest Corp. reflects the company's consistent profitability, sound asset quality, and conservative use of financial leverage, the rating agency said.

Although asset quality indicators recently have come under pressure, the company's underwriting process is solid and proven, Duff said.

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